Waves of transition continue to wash over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a theme that seems to have been going since Tom Brady retired back in early 2023. It's only been one full offseason since Brady left, and since the the Bucs have meticulously put pieces into place aimed not only at ushering them into a new era but laying the foundation for a strong future.
Baker Mayfield replaced Tom Brady, many believe that Jalen McMillan is following in the footsteps of Mike Evans, and Yaya Diaby is beginning to fill the shoes left by Shaq Barrett. There's another massive hole the Buccaneers will need to fill and while it's a lot easier said than done the clock is ticking louder and louder.
Lavonte David returned last year for his 13th season in the NFL but it's unclear how many more he has left. He looked like a vintage version of himself in 2024, which was remarkable given the talent dropoff usually associated with players his age, but the question on everyone's mind is whether or not that was his swan song before he rides off into well-deserved retirement.
Even if David doesn't call it a career this offseason, the Bucs are going to need to figure out a succession plan at linebacker and it seems there might be a perfect candidate waiting for them in the NFL Draft.
Buccaneers could target Alabama linebacker to take the torch from Lavonte David
ESPN Draft expert Jordan Reid took a look at the incoming class of defensive rookies and thinks there’s one specific prospect who is a perfect fit for Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers. Not only is he a fit for what Bowles does, but he serves as a perfect candidate to follow in David's footsteps as his replacement.
“Tampa Bay has been inconsistent at linebacker and needs youth in that position group, as longtime standout Lavonte David will turn 35 later this month. Alabama's Jihaad Campbell is a young, ascending prospect who not only excels at the second level but can generate pressure with the pass rush on late downs,” Reid wrote.
Finding someone to take over for David was something everyone thought had already been taken care of. Back in 2019 the Buccaneers used a Top 5 pick on Devin White with the idea that he'd be paried with David before eventually taking the torch from him as a defensive leader.
For the first few years of his career that looked like a plan that was working, as White finished second-team All-Pro in 2020 wghile helping the Bucs win a Super Bowl over the Kansas City Chiefs. A year later White was named to his first Pro Bowl but he crashed out rather specatularly after that. His time in Tampa Bay came to an uncermonious end last offseason and he's since bounced between two different teams.
Campbell sounds like someone who could fulfill the prophecy that White was unable to. He seems to have all the leadership skills needed to take over for David and work alongside Antoine Winfield Jr as a locker room voice, and offers the on-field skill the Bucs badly need.
Not only was linebacker depth tested last year, but Tampa Bay's pass rush left a lot to be desired. It's going to be an area the team looks to heavily invest in this offseason, and Campbell helps check more than a few boxes in that regard.
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